International students staying in Canada for the summer may have questions concerning finding a job while waiting for the fall semester. International students can only get employed in Canada without a different work permit if they possess employment approval on their study permit. This employment approval will demonstrate whether the study permit holder can get employed on campus, off-campus, or the two.
Note: International students need employment approval to be employed in Canada.
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What Is Canada’s Policy For Job Hours As A Foreign Student?
International students should start their job search by thoroughly understanding Canada’s job hours policy, which is set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and may change seasonally. This understanding will empower them to plan their employment opportunities effectively and feel in control of their summer plans.
More particularly, it is essential to understand that the summer months are naturally regarded as a ‘scheduled break’ in the educational calendar unless a foreign student selects or should take classes over this time. A ‘scheduled break’ refers to a period when the student is not required to attend classes, such as summer vacation. During these breaks, international students can work more hours than during the regular academic term.
This difference is essential because Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) permits international students to work 40 hours or more weekly during scheduled educational breaks. The policy has returned to 20 hours weekly and goes to 24 hours in the fall.
The new 24-hour weekly policy of IRCC will supersede the temporary policy implemented in October 2022, which permitted international students with off-campus employment approval to work more than 20 hours weekly while classes were going on. The temporary policy of IRCC was concluded on April 30th, 2024.
Note: Based on IRCC, this summer, before the new policy starts, students on a scheduled educational break can proceed to work unrestricted hours.
International students are usually anxious about learning how summer jobs operate in Canada to capitalize on this opportunity and earn enough money to support themselves.
What Kinds Of Employment Can I Take?
International students can seek any summer job, such as working in retail, hospitality, or as a camp counselor if they qualify to work on or off campus.
Do I Require A Work Permit?
No. Instead, to be qualified for on-campus employment without a work permit, international students are required to:
- Have an authentic study permit or retained status.
- Possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Have begun their program.
- Be a full-time post-secondary student at a qualified university.
- Possess employment approval on their study permit.
However, international students seeking to operate off-campus without a work permit are required to satisfy the following requirements to be qualified:
- Be a full-time student at an assigned university.
- Be registered in an eligible study course that is at least six months long and results in a degree, certificate, or diploma.
- They have begun their studies.
- Own a social insurance number.
According to IRCC policy, international students can only begin working in Canada when their study course begins. This implies that they are not allowed to work before starting their programs.
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To be qualified. International students must be registered in either a post-secondary educational, professional, or skilled internship program or a secondary-level professional internship program for Quebec.
Note: Part-time students are qualified for off-campus employment under specific requirements, including maintaining good academic standing and enrolling in a program that allows off-campus work. For more details on operating off-campus as an international student, visit the IRCC website.
What Documents Do I Require To Get Employed In Canada?
Naturally, international students will require several of the same documents as any other employment candidate in Canada, with some exclusions, apart from resumes and cover letters, which are the two significant elements of the employment hunting procedure for international students. They may be required to demonstrate evidence of their employment approval to confirm that they are lawfully permitted to work in Canada as an aspect of their employment interview or onboarding procedure.
What Is Sin, And How Do I Get One?
Most critically, hence, is that international students understand that they need a Social Insurance Number to get employed in Canada. Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) are personal, unique nine-digit numbers offered to qualified Canadians, permanent residents, and temporary residents. International students can apply for a SIN by visiting the Canadian Government website or a Service Canada office. The process involves filling out an application form, providing the necessary documents, and waiting for the SIN to be issued. As this is not a document in the same way that a resume is, every employee in Canada needs a Social Insurance Number to get a job. Check the Canadian Government website to learn more about applying for a SIN.
What If I Go Through Challenges At Work?
Like every other international citizen in Canada, international students possess the same freedom as Canadian-born employees regarding fair and just treatment in the workplace. This rule, which includes the Canadian Labor Code and the Employment Equity Acts, outlines the rights and protections international employees have in this nation, providing a sense of security and confidence.
There is a rule in place by the government of Canada, which includes the Canadian Labor Code and the Employment Equity Acts, that summarizes the liberties offered to international employees in this nation. These liberties have to do with the following:
- Being paid for their job
- Having a secure workplace
- Being able to maintain their passport and employment permit.
Where Can I Go For More Details?
For more details on summer jobs as an international student in Canada, go to any obtainable online resources, which include the following websites:
- https://www.canadavisa.com/work-while-studying.html.
- https://www.canadavisa.com/interview.html.
- https://www.canadavisa.com/resume.html
- https://www.canadavisa.com/where-to-find-jobs-in-canada.html
- https://www.canadavisa.com/networking.html
Remember, your post-secondary school is there to support you. They have offices and resources dedicated to helping international students navigate the job market. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance and support. Knowing that help is available can alleviate any anxiety you may have about finding a summer job in Canada.
